IDEAL 1971 CHECK DRAWN ON THE LENNON-MCCARTNEY SONG WRITING ROYALTY ACCOUNT
Beatles – John Lennon Signed MacLen Music Check (UK, February 23, 1971) 3 pound 50 pence to John Waterer Son & Crispe, in Matted and framed Display. A 7.75″ x 3.5″ National Westminster Bank Limited company check, filled out in an unknown hand and signed in black felt tip: “John Lennon” for “Maclen (Music) Ltd”.
In fine condition, with expected bank stamps, trivial staple holes to upper left corner, and a cancellation notation through part of the signature. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, According to noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, John has signed this check beautifully in black ballpoint pen in the appropriate space. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo, who states, “This check is in excellent overall condition…and because it was very well kept over the past 44 years it looks remarkable for its age. In recent years, John Lennon signed bank checks have become extremely rare and desirable. Maclen Music was the company through which Lennon and Paul McCartney received songwriting royalties. When he wrote this check, Lennon was two months removed from the release of his first solo studio album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band. Representing Lennon’s transition from the Beatles to a solo career, this is a supremely appealing example.” Double matted and framed with a photo of Lennon, to an overall size of 20.25 x 13.
MacLen Music LTD, which was formerly controlled by Northern Songs, was formed to publish McCartney’s and Lennon’s songs in the United States. Because McCartney and Lennon had been involved in a number of earlier contractual disputes regarding control of their songs, especially regarding publishing rights and royalties, MacLen Music had been established with the stipulation that both artists would be required to sign off on nearly every check issued by the company.
